Sixers select Bona, Hopeful for Embiid Backup

NEW YORK CITY, NY - With the 41st pick in the second round of the NBA draft the 76ers selected Center, Adem Bona from UCLA. 

Bona, a 6 '8, 245lbs big man from Nigeria averaged 10.1 PTS, 5.6 RBS, 1.0 AST, and 1.7 BLK for the Bruins across two seasons in blue and gold. Standing out as UCLA’s best player last year during a disappointing campaign in Southern California where the club finished just 16-17 on the season. 

Bona, however, proved to be a standout in the Pac-12 - even as an undersized big man he was able to pave his way through to the NBA strictly via his incredible athleticism which is put on display regularly. Bona makes his bones with ferocious dunks and big-time blocks that have him as one of the most promising defensive players in the draft. 

Bona also did well on offense, working his way in the paint where did nearly all of his damage in college fighting down low, usually with much bigger defenders to muscle his way to the basket. 

For Philly, it appears that Bona will need to work his way into the rotation as many second-round picks do. The desire for the undersized big by the Sixers will be for him to make his way as Joel Embiid’s backup, becoming the first steady hand behind the Cameroonian big man since he joined the team back in 2014. 

Look for Bona to make waves in the G-League this year, though if he stands out in the preseason don’t be surprised if he makes the opening night roster as a bottom-of-the-bench option. 

The next step for Bona however will be the NBA’s Summer League where he’ll get a chance to show the Sixers front office and coaching staff and front office what he has in store for them.